Gregory, John William (1867-1951)
Early years
John was born in 1867 at Sheffield, Yorkshire, to parents David and Jane.
Ministry
John’s obituary records that he was an arresting preacher. His sermons gave evidence of wide reading and of independent thought. He sought to present the old truths in modern terms. He kept his mind open to all new light the Holy Spirit shed upon the written Word.
His kindly disposition and his social gifts made him a successful pastor. In dark days he was the comforter of sad hearts, a wise counsellor, and a safe guide. His insight and his balanced judgement made him a trusted leader in business meetings.
John served as District Sunday School Secretary and Candidates Examiner.
Family
John married Mary Ann Hilton (1870-1955) in the summer of 1893 at Leicester, Leicestershire. She was daughter of Alderman S Hilton, J.P. of Leicester. Census returns identify three children.
- Doreen Hilton (1895-1971) – married Arnold Paton Lansdown, a Congregational Minister, in 1918
- Gwendoline Mary (1898-1914)
- David Douglas (1901-1982)
John died on 2 January 1951 at Poole, Dorset.
Circuits
- 1889 Watton
- 1890 Clay Cross
- 1893 Glasgow I
- 1895 Ashby de la Zouch
- 1908 Hucknall
- 1913 Ripley
- 1915 Dartmouth
- 1916 Southampton I
- 1921 Exmouth
- 1923 Supernumerary
- 1925 Bournemouth (Ac)
- 1929 Supernumerary
References
Primitive Methodist Magazine 1919/560
Methodist Minutes 1951/133
W Leary, Directory of Primitive Methodist Ministers and their Circuits, 1990
Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers
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